Institute for Clinical and Translational Science

The overall objective of the Genetics-Genomics Key Function is to facilitate the incorporation of genetics into translational medicine projects. In order to meet this objective the function has two main goals:

• To provide scientific support in genetics and genomics to investigators, particularly less experienced investigators, working on translational and clinical research within the ICTS

The focus of the group is primarily on human genetics, although we can help establish contacts to other groups on campus who work on animal models. The key function has particular expertise in sample collection and identification/development of protocols for DNA extraction and storage and genotyping and DNA sequencing protocols. The facility has equipment for DNA extraction and genotyping which can be made available to investigators on a pilot project basis (up to 100 samples per year). In addition the lab also provides contacts for studies related to gene expression, gene finding, and incorporation of genes in the pharmacogenetics and related studies.

• To support university-wide efforts to develop a strong research base including the development of a comprehensive bio-bank linked to the electronic medical record.

We are currently working to develop a hospital-wide biorepository that links discarded biologic specimens (blood, tissue, etc) to electronic medical records in a de-identified fashion for use in biomedical research by U of I investigators and their collaborators. All patients treated at the University of Iowa will be approached for enrollment in this research repository.

View current projects being supported by Genetics and Genomics.

Contact us

Laboratory Description

The primary laboratory is located in 2182 Med Labs and it is overseen by Ms. Cathy Dragan under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Murray. Approximately 300 square feet of space is dedicated to the key function.
Visit Murray Lab website for more information.

Lab location:

2182 ML
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242

Lab Hours:

8am-5pm or by appointment. Please contact Jamie L' Heureux by phone (319) 335-6899 or via email Jamie-Lheureux@uiowa.edu to schedule lab time and/or reserve equipment.

Training:

Training is available for individuals seeking to use specialized equipment. Please contact Jamie L' Heureux by phone (319) 335-6899 or via email Jamie-Lheureux@uiowa.edu to learn more about our training options.

Square Footage:

300 square feet

Equipment

In addition to standard laboratory equipment the following are available for use or training:

Progeny pedigree drawing, genotype management, and laboratory information management system (LIMS) database:

Progeny Clinical:

Pedigree drawing tool that ties pedigree structure information to user-defined data points in a customizable database.

Progeny Lab:

Combine with Progeny Clinical to track genotype and phenotype information in one database. Manages samples, plates, and marker info and outputs data in formats compatible with common analysis software tools.

Progeny LIMS:

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) allows barcoding of samples, inventory management, chain of custody tracking and sample workflow management.

More Information

Fujifilm QuickGene automated DNA/RNA extractors:

Fujifilm QuickGene #610

Performs automated DNA/RNA extraction of up to 6 samples at a time (up to 2 mL starting volume) within minutes.

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Fujifilm QuickGene #810

Performs automated DNA/RNA extraction of up to 8 samples at a time (up to 200 uL starting volume) within 6 minutes.

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Thermo Scientific Matrix Hydra II 96-Channel Microdispenser:

Easily transfers DNA (100 nl to 1000 µl) from stock plates to multiple replicate plates (96 or 384 well layouts) for use in high-throughput experiments.

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Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System:

A real time, 384-well PCR apparatus ideally suited for SNP genotyping and measuring gene expression levels.

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Roche LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCR System:

A real-time, 384-well PCR apparatus ideally suited for study of genetic variation through probe-based or whole amplicon screening methods.

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Scientific NanoDrop 8000 spectrophotometer:

Quantifies nucleic acids, proteins, etc. for up to 8 samples at a time (sample volume of 1 uL or more) in 20 seconds.

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Methodologies

Methods currently available include:

• multiple protocols for DNA and RNA extraction
• DNA genotyping with a particular emphasis on TaqMan assays
• DNA sequencing protocols

Contact Us

Investigators interested in utilizing the resources available through this key function should contact Dr. Murray by email.

Jeff Murray                Principal Investigator

Cathy Dragan            Research Assistant II

• Laboratory resource with expertise in DNA extraction, genotyping and other laboratory methods.

Jamie L’Heureux      Genetic Counselor Facilitator

• Project Coordination resource with expertise in recruitment, IRB, and Progeny database management.

Nancy Davin              Administration

• Administration resource with expertise in grant management and lab administration.

Publications

• Rahimov F, Marazita ML, Visel A, Cooper ME, Hitchler MJ, Rubini M, Domann FE, Govil M, Christensen K, Bille C, Melbye M, Jugessur A, Lie RT, Wilcox AJ, Fitzpatrick PA, Green ED, NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Mossey PA, Little J, Steegers-Theunissen RP, Pennacchio LA, Schutte BC and Murray JC. Disruption of an AP-2alpha binding site in an IRF6 enhancer is associated with cleft lip. Nat. Genet. 40(11):1341-1347. 2008.
• Riley BM, Mansilla MA., Ma J, Daack-Hirsch S, Maher BS, Raffensperger LM, Russo ET, Vieira AR, Dode C., Mohammadi M, Marazita ML, Murray JC. Impaired FGF signaling contributes to cleft lip and palate. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U S A. Mar 13;104(11):4512-4517, 2007.
• Shi M, Christensen K, Weinberg CR, Romitti P, Bathum L, Lozada A, Morris RW, Lovett M, Murray JC. Orofacial cleft risk is increased with maternal smoking and specific detoxification gene variants. Am J Hum Genet. 80(1):76-90, 2007.
• Christensen K and Murray JC. What genome-wide association studies can do for medicine. N Engl J Med. Mar 15:356(11):1094-1097, 2007.



Resources

Gene Tests

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man

National Human Genome Research Institute